So after talking to a number of people and reading threads and posts here on the forums it seems to be the popular opinion that Mens Pro Pool need some organization. A set tour with a main sponsor, TV scheduled times, The players all recognizing and respecting the tour. Like in other sports where the NFL or NBA can fine or suspend players for bad behavior. Where the tour makes money from anything sold with its players names and images etc. The players and promoters are able to sign onto the Pro Pool Associations Health benefit program along with Life insurance and insurance for hand or eye injury. One name, one logo. With all the players united and wanting to be able to "TURN PRO" not just be able to pay $500 and play in any event you want. Have rankings. I know that right now we have the BCA points list but I am sure that can be worked out and would not change too much.
Well, all these things won't happen overnight but it has to start somewhere. Where does it start? you need a man or woman for the job to begin making it happen. The sponsors are gonna be the last on the list I'm afraid unless something big happens quick and the tour gets lucky. The players and promoters have to show that they have their shit together with a solid plan and structure to show that this is not a 6 months deal but to show its there for the long haul.
Players also have to be willing to do some of the things it takes to get the attention that the game deserves and get the general perception of all pool players are hustlers, con men, drug addicts and woman chasing Alcoholics. to the fact that most of the top 10 in the world barely drink if at all and that most of them work out and try to stay in shape and are not on drugs. Also charity events I'm not talking about anything big just good PR without the whole "Whats in it for me routine"
So Where does it start? Who will do the job? How do they get paid? You can't expect a person to work for free and you can't expect them to pay for marketing materials etc out of their own pocket and be 100% dedicated to the job unless they are just wealthy and want to do something for the game. I have a few names in mind of people that would be great for the sport and would give 100%.
To me Mark Griffin is the obvious choice. Although he is already very busy I am sure if there was a reasonable show of support from the player he could make it happen. Now I could totally understand anyone wanting the position but taking on that commitment is a big deal and the amount of flaming that person would get on here alone would be something that most would shy away from.
Well, as I write all this down I think that for the most part it is pretty basic. Just needs the support and backing of the players, promoters and fans. In Europe they have their tours/leagues for soccer sponsored I don't see why we could not have the Mueller's Tour or the Csi tour or if we want to get really ahead of ourselves the McDonalds Tour.
As I said All this would take time, results would not happen in 6 months or even a year unless things went really well.
So who should have the job??
Well, all these things won't happen overnight but it has to start somewhere. Where does it start? you need a man or woman for the job to begin making it happen. The sponsors are gonna be the last on the list I'm afraid unless something big happens quick and the tour gets lucky. The players and promoters have to show that they have their shit together with a solid plan and structure to show that this is not a 6 months deal but to show its there for the long haul.
Players also have to be willing to do some of the things it takes to get the attention that the game deserves and get the general perception of all pool players are hustlers, con men, drug addicts and woman chasing Alcoholics. to the fact that most of the top 10 in the world barely drink if at all and that most of them work out and try to stay in shape and are not on drugs. Also charity events I'm not talking about anything big just good PR without the whole "Whats in it for me routine"
So Where does it start? Who will do the job? How do they get paid? You can't expect a person to work for free and you can't expect them to pay for marketing materials etc out of their own pocket and be 100% dedicated to the job unless they are just wealthy and want to do something for the game. I have a few names in mind of people that would be great for the sport and would give 100%.
To me Mark Griffin is the obvious choice. Although he is already very busy I am sure if there was a reasonable show of support from the player he could make it happen. Now I could totally understand anyone wanting the position but taking on that commitment is a big deal and the amount of flaming that person would get on here alone would be something that most would shy away from.
Well, as I write all this down I think that for the most part it is pretty basic. Just needs the support and backing of the players, promoters and fans. In Europe they have their tours/leagues for soccer sponsored I don't see why we could not have the Mueller's Tour or the Csi tour or if we want to get really ahead of ourselves the McDonalds Tour.
As I said All this would take time, results would not happen in 6 months or even a year unless things went really well.
So who should have the job??
